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What programs can I become involved in to pursue my aspirations of becoming a traveling herbalist?

I am a student in Long Beach California and my grandma teaches me bits and pieces but I'd love to become more knowledgeable.

Thank you comment icon Please share are you a high school student or have finished your undergraduate. Atul Bhankharia

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Sahida’s Answer

Hi Neema,

That sounds like an exciting path! There are several avenues you can explore to deepen your knowledge and skills as a traveling herbalist:

Herbalism Courses or Workshops: Look for local classes or workshops in Long Beach or nearby areas that focus on herbalism. These might cover topics like plant identification, herbal medicine preparation, and holistic health.

Online Courses: Many reputable platforms offer online courses in herbalism. They can be a great way to learn at your own pace and from experts around the world. Look into platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or specialized herbalism websites.
Herbal Academy: They offer various levels of courses, from beginner to advanced, covering topics like herbal medicine making, wildcrafting, and herbalism for specific health concerns.

The Herbalist's Path: This platform provides courses on herbal medicine, plant identification, and holistic wellness, suitable for beginners and those seeking advanced knowledge.

The Science and Art of Herbalism: This is a comprehensive course by Rosemary Gladstar, a renowned herbalist. It covers various aspects of herbalism, from basic principles to advanced techniques.

North American Institute of Medical Herbalism: They offer online programs focusing on clinical herbalism, anatomy, physiology, and herbal therapeutics.

The Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine: Known for their quality courses, they cover topics like wildcrafting, botany, medicine making, and clinical herbalism.

Apprenticeships or Internships: Seek out opportunities to apprentice with established herbalists or work in herb gardens or apothecaries. Practical, hands-on experience is incredibly valuable in herbalism.

Books and Resources: There's a wealth of knowledge in books and online resources dedicated to herbalism. Some recommended reads include "The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook" by James Green and "Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide."

Herbalism Conferences and Gatherings: Attend conferences, seminars, or gatherings related to herbalism. They often offer workshops, talks, and networking opportunities with experienced herbalists.

Community Gardens or Herbalist Groups: Join local gardening groups or herbalist communities. These spaces can offer practical experience, mentorship, and connections within the herbalism field.

Certification Programs: Consider enrolling in formal certification programs in herbalism. While not always necessary, they can provide a structured curriculum and credentials.

Remember, herbalism often involves a combination of plant knowledge, holistic health practices, and ethical considerations. It's a journey that integrates science, tradition, and personal experience. Your grandmother's teachings, coupled with further education and practice, will be a fantastic foundation for your aspirations!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hi Neema!

It's fantastic that you're looking to fulfill your dream of becoming a traveling herbalist! There's a wealth of programs and resources at your fingertips that can help you deepen your understanding and skills in herbalism. These programs will guide you through the fascinating world of herbal medicine, plant identification, cultivation, and the practical use of herbs for promoting health and wellness. Here are some exciting options to explore:

Herbalism Courses and Certification Programs:

American Herbalists Guild (AHG): AHG has a comprehensive directory of educational programs and schools that specialize in herbalism. Their website hosts a list of AHG-approved schools, offering both online and in-person learning experiences.
Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: This institution provides in-depth herbalism courses led by the esteemed herbalist Michael Moore. Their programs delve into subjects like plant identification, wildcrafting, medicine creation, clinical skills, and more.
California School of Herbal Studies: Nestled in Forestville, California, this school offers a wide array of programs from beginner courses to advanced clinical training. They focus on experiential learning and provide opportunities for students to engage with local plants and ecosystems.
Online Herbalism Courses:

Herbal Academy: This online hub offers a variety of self-paced courses suitable for all levels of learners. They explore topics like herbal medicine creation, plant identification, anatomy and physiology, herbal therapeutics, and more.
Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Courses: Rosemary Gladstar, a highly respected herbalist, offers online courses through her website. These courses delve into various facets of herbalism, including formulation, wildcrafting, gardening, and crafting herbal remedies.
Apprenticeships and Workshops:

United Plant Savers (UpS): UpS is an organization committed to preserving native medicinal plants in North America. They offer apprenticeships and workshops that focus on sustainable wildcrafting practices, plant conservation, and herbal medicine creation.
Herbal Resurgence Rendezvous: This annual gathering brings together herbalists, botanists, and plant enthusiasts for a week filled with workshops, plant walks, and hands-on activities. It's a great opportunity to learn from seasoned herbalists and connect with others who share your passion.
Local Herbalist Associations and Meetup Groups:

American Herbalists Guild (AHG): AHG offers networking opportunities and resources for herbalists across the United States. Joining local chapters or attending AHG events can help you connect with seasoned herbalists in your community.
Meetup.com: Look for herbalist or herb-related meetup groups in your local area. These groups often host workshops, herb walks, and other educational events where you can learn from experts and meet fellow herb enthusiasts.
Books and Online Resources:

“The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook” by James Green: This book offers easy-to-follow instructions on how to craft various herbal preparations, including tinctures, salves, teas, and more.
“The Modern Herbal Dispensatory” by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne: This comprehensive guide delves into the principles of herbal medicine, materia medica, formulation, and dosage.
HerbMentor.com: An online platform offering courses, articles, videos, and a community forum for herbalists of all experience levels.
Keep in mind that becoming a traveling herbalist not only requires knowledge but also hands-on experience. Consider volunteering at local herb farms or gardens, attending herb conferences and gatherings, and networking with experienced practitioners to gain practical experience in the field.

Top 3 Trusted References Used in Answering this Question:

American Herbalists Guild (AHG): The AHG website offers a directory of educational programs and schools endorsed by the guild, making it a reliable source for finding reputable herbalism programs and resources.
Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Founded by the esteemed herbalist Michael Moore, this school provides comprehensive herbalism courses and is a trusted authority in the field of botanical medicine.
“The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook” by James Green: This book is widely recognized as a valuable guide for learning how to craft various herbal preparations and comes highly recommended by numerous herbalists.
While these resources are highly respected, remember to conduct your own research and select programs or resources that align with your unique needs and goals.

Don't forget to visit my Biography for a list of nutrient-rich foods. Thank you and stay blessed!
Best Wishes,
James.
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Brian’s Answer

Hello Neema, your question is excellent. If you're fascinated by herbal medicine, you might want to explore becoming a Naturopathic Doctor (ND). These professionals are licensed doctors who have completed a four-year graduate-level course in naturopathic medicine. They are trained in all the fundamental sciences just like a traditional MD, but their approach to treatment is holistic and non-toxic, with a significant focus on preventing disease and promoting overall wellness. This often involves the use of medicinal herbs and supplements. Pursuing this career could allow you to help others using your passion for this kind of medicine.

There are several degree programs available, including those at Bastyr University and Cornell, among others. The salary for this profession varies widely, so it's a good idea to research the best places to work and earn if you decide to pursue this degree. This could impact your ability to earn the income you need to live comfortably in those areas.

Best of luck!
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Aditi’s Answer

I hope these help:

https://www.bestcolleges.com/healthcare/certificates/herbalist/#:~:text=A%20certificate%20in%20herbalism%20usually,800%20hours%20of%20classroom%20experience

https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/school-profiles

I found the latter link very cool because it shows SUCH a variety of programs/ways to get involved with the field of herbalism in a very systematic way.

The first link I included because it shows a variety of colleges that offer a program in the field, but unfortunately I'm not able to find a bachelors degree program and these are certificate programs. It's a great way to gain expertise, but I think it's not exactly what you were seeking.
Thank you comment icon Hi Aditi, thank you for giving Neema some resources. Can you provide a little more insight on the information? Sharyn Grose, Admin
Thank you comment icon @sharyn, done :) Aditi Kannan
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